The British General Headquarters of 1914-1918

The British GHQ
A
General Headquarters known as a GHQ was formed for each
theatre of war, often when the build-up of British forces
became too large or complex for the local forces there to retain
adequate command. If, however, the General Officer Commanding
reported to another British General, then the headquarters
was known as an HQ. A GHQ/HQ would carry a complement
of guard, transport and signals troops.

GHQ

History

Home
Forces

The
existing command structure of the British army in
the United Kingdom. Based at the War Office in London.

British
Expeditionary Force (BEF)

Organised
during pre-war planning, this was the HQ of the
British armies in France and Flanders on the Western
Front. Proceeded to France August 1914, under
the command of Sir
John French, succeeded in December 1915 by Sir
Douglas Haig. Up to December 1914, GHQ also
acted as Army HQ; from there on, the army grew and
proliferated several Armies and GHQ commanded vast
numbers of troops. It was possibly the single most
powerful 'management' Britain has ever formed. Located at St Omer once the fighting had stabilised, Haig relocated it to Montreuil-sur-Mer.

Egyptian
Expeditionary Force (EEF)

In
March 1916, this HQ was formed to command the growing
British forces in Egypt. It was originally commanded
by Sir Archibald Murray, later by Sir Edmund Allenby.

Mediterranean
Expeditionary Force (MEF)

Formed
in March 1915 to control operations at Gallipoli,
under the command of Sir
Ian Hamilton. GHQ remained on offshore ships throughout the campaign.

British
Salonika Army

Formed
in January 1917 from the former Army HQ in the
Salonika theatre. GHQ based in the town of Salonika.

Mesopotamia

Initially
under the Government of India as Indian
Expeditionary Force 'D'. Taken over by British
Government February 1916.

Italy

Located initially at Mantua, moved on arrival of General Sir Herbert Plumer to Padua, then briefly to Legnano before returning to Padua. Moved to Noventa on 16 January 1918.

East
Africa

Formed
in December 1914 by merging Indian Expeditionary
Forces B and C with British forces in Africa.

North Russia

Established under Brigadier-General Edmund Ironside at Archangel in late 1918.